• The Home Care Nurse or walk-in clinic nurse can teach

you or your family member how to change the dressing.

• A bag may be over the site if there is drainage and the
tube is unclamped. The Home Care Nurse or walk-in
clinic nurse will change the bag over the nephrostomy Nephrostomy Tube
tube as needed.”
Care, Management
Is it Normal to Have Blood in Your Urine?
Yes, it is normal to have blood tinged urine after the and Discharge Instructions
nephrostomy tube has been put in, especially if you
increase your activities. If you have blood tinged urine, it is
important to drink plenty of fluids (2 litres a day).

Notify the Doctor or Go to The Emergency

Department if Any of the Following Happens:
• You have pain in your side where you have the
nephrostomy tube and it is not relieved by pain
medication. Increased pain in the flank area may ureter

indicate a blockage or infection.

• Your nephrostomy tube fall out or it breaks.
• You have a foul smelling drainage coming from around
the tube.
• You have swelling around the tube and it is red and tender.
• You develop a fever of 38.5 C/101.3 F or higher with chills,
odor, redness, drainage, flank pain, and a general ill feeling.
• You have increased clots or bright red urine.

Emergency Room Phone numbers are: Vancouver General Hospital

VGH: 604-875-4111 local 62238 899 West 12th Avenue
UBC: 604-822-7662 Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9
Tel: 604-875-4111
For more copies, go online at http://vch.eduhealth.ca or
email phem@vch.ca and quote Catalogue No. FP.490.C18
© Vancouver Coastal Health, February 2006 UBC Hospital
The information in this document is intended solely for the 211 Wesbrook Mall
person to whom it was given by the health care team. Vancouver BC V6T 2B5
www.vch.ca
Tel: 604-822-7986
What is a Nephrostomy Tube?
It is a tube that goes through the skin into the kidney in the
lower back. It drains urine directly from the kidney when
urine cannot flow normally.
Why Do you Need a Nephrostomy Tube?
A nephrostomy tube may be put in for a number of reasons:
• A blockage of the ureter (tube leading from the kidney to
the bladder) either by stones, infection, scar tissue, or tumor.
• A hole in the ureter.
• To prepare for surgery or another procedure on your
ureter or kidney.
How Long Will I Need the Nephrostomy Tube?
• Your Doctor will discuss with you how long you are likely
to need the tube.
How Often is the Nephrostomy Tube Changed?
• If your tube needs changing, you will be told when to return
to the Radiology Department to have your tube changed.
Activity and Rest
• Rest when you are tired and increase your activity slowly.
• Avoid any activity that causes discomfort or makes you
feel tired.
• Avoid heavy lifting such as wet laundry, house clean-
ing, or lifting young children or other activities that may
cause “straining”.
• You cannot go swimming.
• Decrease your activity if you have increased bleeding.
Baths and Showers
• Sponge bath or shower anytime after your procedure.
• Before you shower, cover your dressing with plastic wrap
and waterproof tape.
• Do not take a tub bath or go in a hot tub while you have
the nephrostomy tube, as this may lead to an infection.
Diet
• You can eat normal food.
• It is important to drink plenty of fluids (2 litres a day) un-
less told otherwise by your Doctor.
Bowels
• Avoid constipation. Request a mild laxative as needed
from your local pharmacy.
If the Nephrostomy Tube is Clamped:
• A Home Care Nurse will be arranged for you before you
go home.
• Empty your bladder often.
• If there is no drainage around the nephrostomy tube a
dry dressing will cover the site. Your nurse on the unit
will put a bag over the site if there is drainage.
• The Home Care Nurse or walk-in clinic nurse (if there is
no home care nurse) will change the dressing and/or bag
over the nephrostomy tube as needed.
If the Nephrostomy Tube is Unclamped:
• A Home Care Nurse will be arranged for you before you
go home.
• Wash your hands before and after emptying the
drainage bag.
• Empty the drainage bag when it is two-thirds full.
• Have a family member help to drain the bag if you are
unable to do so.
• Ensure the nephrostomy tube does not become kinked.
• Keep the drainage bag lower then your kidney or flank.
• The dressing around the tube is changed as needed.